"Turkey's best kept secret"
Top 5 Page for this destinationAyvalik by TheTurkishBrit

Ayvalik lies on the Aegean coast, half way between Canakkale and Izmir. Whilst it is a popular spot for Turkish holidaymakers it is known mostly by only those travellers heading to the Greek island of Lesbos.Ayvalik is famous for its olive oil, and for its cuisine, serving the best fish meals in Turkey.Visitors looking for a beach can head south out of town to the nearby sands of Sarmisakli.

Off the main street the town is a warren of narrow cobbled streets and old stone houses. Down by the waterfront you can enjoy a tea and a famous Ayvalik tost, or a fish supper. Thursdays the town comes alive with Persembe pazari, the Market which fills the streets with locally grown food, clothing and the textiles that the area is also reknowned for.

Cunda/Alibey

just out of town a causeway links to Cunda island. Town buses run there regularly or take a boat from the harbour. Market day is Saturday, and the island is packed with more wonderful old stone houses and cottages. Cunda comes alive at night, when everyone goes there to eat at the numerous fish restaurants, and then to stroll and enjoy the many craft stalls that appear at nightfall.